Coach's lawyer seeks more time in sex case

A Canton High School assistant coach's court hearing on charges he had sex with a 15-year-old girl has been pushed back to April 21 after his defense attorney sought more time to review documents, such as police reports, tied to the case.

The latest developments came Friday in 35th District Court following accusations that 20-year-old Eric Christopher Locke, while working as the school's varsity boys hockey assistant coach, had a sexual relationship with a high school girl who is now 16.

Raymond Cassar, listed in court records as Locke's attorney, could not be reached Tuesday for comment on the case. Judge Michael Gerou granted the attorney's request for more time.

Locke could face penalties ranging up to 15 years in prison if he is convicted on three counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct. Canton police investigated allegations Locke and the girl had a sexual relation from November to February.

Canton Deputy Police Director Chad Baugh has said the girl's mother reported the allegations to a school resource officer at the Plymouth-Canton Educational Park, where Locke had worked.

Locke remains free on a $500,000 personal bond as he awaits his court proceedings, but officials say he has been placed on an electronic tether to monitor his whereabouts. Moreover, 35th District Judge Ron Lowe, during Locke's arraignment on criminal charges, ordered him to stay off school property and away from minors, including the 16-year-old girl.

Monica Merritt, Plymouth-Canton Community Schools superintendent, issued a letter after Locke was charged to alert parents that Locke has been "permanently removed" from the district, saying "student safety remains the number one priority of the district."

Canton police conducted a search of Locke's home, but haven't disclosed what may have been taken as potential evidence.

Locke is employed by the Plymouth-Canton Community Schools district through a third party, CoachEZ, LLC, which issued a statement saying student safety is of "extreme importance to us." The company also said Locke has been removed "from access to assignments in the schools we serve."